“The men of Issachar had understanding of the times, to know what Israel
ought to do” (1 Chronicles 12:32)

We don’t have to compromise our principles to be involved in
politics—what good is salt left in the shaker, or a light that is
hidden? “Politics” is not a bad word. In simple terms, politics refers
to governing or leading a group of people. Politics won’t save America,
but in order to implement change, honour God, and help others, we must
take action. To suggest that God does not want us to elect godly leaders
and promote godly legislation runs contrary to His nature (cf. Romans
13). Silence is not an option.

1. Government is God-ordained. “We the people” are to lead according to
God’s Word. Many say, “We don’t need to get involved. God will take care
of everything.” Ironically, I’ve never seen that mindset when it comes
to work and income. We work, or we don’t eat. God blesses hard work and
diligence in financial matters; why wouldn’t He when it comes to leading
a nation?

2.Apathy is not biblical. A believer should be involved in running for
office, voting, and/or monitoring those in office to assure that they
perform their duties. The welfare of society often falls into the hands
of the Christian community. For those who believe we should remain
passive and silent, I challenge you to read the writings of the Old
Testament prophets. They lamented, shed tears, and pleaded with the
people and the leaders to turn from their sins and to turn back to
God—they spoke the truth in love. Even Jesus wept for Jerusalem when He
saw its destruction was near. Martin Luther King, Jr., in a Letter from
Birmingham Jail on April 16, 1963, wrote, “We will have to repent in
this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad
people but for the appalling silence of the good people.” I hold the
same opinion today.

3. We engage the culture or we lose. There is always a fight; the tides
of evil will always wash against the shores of hope and peace. Silence
is not an option. We can no longer hide behind the excuse, “I don’t want
to get involved.” As citizens, we are given the privilege, for now, to
place people in positions of leadership. Whether we like it or not, we
are involved. Millions are not registered to vote, and millions of
registered voters stay at home. We’ll stand in line to see a movie, but
we won’t stand in line to vote and elect leaders who will affect the
direction of our country. This makes a statement about what we value—and
isn’t it sad. During this election cycle, register to vote and then vote
your values. It really is that simple.

4.All laws impose morality onto others. The real question is “whose”
morality prevails? You can’t legislate morality, but you can restrain
evil and deter wrongdoing. God doesn’t need a supermajority, but He does
need a humble minority. God’s call is not to Washington or Hollywood—“if
My people humble themselves” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

5.The pulpits are not called to be passive. Granted, not everyone is
called to the political arena, but all of those called to preach God’s
Word must provide practical application on difficult matters. I often
wonder if those who remain silent now would have also been silent in the
1800s in regard to slavery? Are these silent men truly filled with the
Spirit of God? If so, where is boldness . . . where is righteous
indignation that the Spirit provokes in us? When God gives people
authority to passionately and lovingly proclaim His Word, souls are
converted, lives are changed, and families are restored. Sadly, this is
lacking in our day. As the church falls deeper into self-reliance and
further from reliance on God, our need for bold leadership has never
been greater. Change will only occur when there is a strong conviction
of sin, genuine faith, humility, and sincere repentance—may God grant us
the wisdom and strength to proclaim these truths. We must stop confusing
God’s patience with His approval and preach with conviction from the
pulpits again.

6. God’s Word is very clear on controversial issues. From “thou shalt
not steal from citizens and future generations” to “thou shalt not
murder innocent children.” If God is clear, why are many Christians
vague or indifferent?

7 . “I’m not voting for the lesser of two evils.” This statement is
often used by those who want to remain silent, but it’s a flawed
argument. We are actually voting for principles, not people—all
candidates are sinners. In what direction will they lead our country?
Even more importantly, what country will we leave for our children? A
third party is not a bad idea, but at this point, it has little
influence. When they receive votes, they take away votes from others.

Some time ago, I sat speechless as I listened to a man recount his trip
to a holocaust museum with his young daughter. As they walked by photos
of the death camps, gas chambers, and countless bodies piled one upon
another, his daughter silently contemplated the horrors that were
unfolding before her eyes.

When the tour ended, they drove home without saying a word. The father
wondered if she truly understood the significance of the event. Was she
too young to view such depravity? Was she too fragile to cope with the
truth of the holocaust? Would it make a negative impact on her life?
Would it leave her fearful and wounded? Would she begin to doubt God?

His questions were answered nearly two hours later when his daughter
finally spoke. She looked at her father and asked, “Daddy, why didn’t
someone do something?”

Will we hear those same haunting words from our children and
grandchildren? Yes! If we fail to contend for what is right, we may see
a time in our history when our children will ask, “Why didn’t someone do
something?” Sadly, we will know the answer.